There is no doubt that the lack of affordable housing is one of
the weak links in our effort to build strong South Valley
communities. The recent economic downturn has done little to ease
the situation.
Yes on Prop 46
There is no doubt that the lack of affordable housing is one of the weak links in our effort to build strong South Valley communities. The recent economic downturn has done little to ease the situation.
In July of this year, only 22 percent of Santa Clara County residents could afford a median-priced home, compared with 55 percent nationally.
Proposition 46, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2002, could help ease the crisis. It would provide $2.1 billion for affordable low- and moderate-income housing and emergency shelter for homeless people and those with a short-term need.
The money would bring necessary funds to California agencies such as South County Housing, which has created senior, low-income and sweat-equity housing development for families who otherwise would never have been able to amass the money for a down payment.
With interest rates at historic lows, now is the time to pass a bond measure that could help your neighbor find adequate housing in the future. Affordable housing helps businesses keep skilled laborers and helps keep commuters off of our heavily trafficked roads. For these reasons, voters should say “yes” on Nov. 5.
Measures A and B
If county officials want South Valley voters to approve Measures A and B, which directs transportation funding for road projects, they’ve had a funny way of showing it.
Over the past several months county supervisors have redirected money that had been earmarked for South Valley transportation projects and sent the money north, most recently with a 101/152 off ramp and previously with CalTrain funding.
Traffic congestion is an important issue throughout Santa Clara County and it’s important for voters to support all logical efforts to find solutions. It would be nice, however, if we could be rewarded for our efforts.
